Design Centre Stories

Tag: LDW16

Right Here, Right Now with Kit Kemp

The design centre is a creative hub where there's always something new happening, says the design director of Firmdale Hotels.

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New Ways to Hide

Proving that it's one of the most versatile materials of all, leather is being embellished and reinterpreted in ever-more inventive ways. Texture plays a big part: Whistler Leather has introduced a woven product for furniture, upholstery and walls, while the Ricamo collection by Studioart (available from Rubelli/Donghia) is delicately embroidered – pictured is 'Daisy', used as a wallcovering. Studioart's tannery also produces …

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Right Here, Right Now with Vanessa Curry

"I get a well-rounded idea of what's happening in fashion, art and design when I come here," says the art adviser.

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Right Here, Right Now, with Anna Murray & Grace Winteringham

Patternity's co-founders on the inspirational power of pattern.

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Zoe-Bradley-dress1

Sculpture in Paper

Renowned paper artist Zoe Bradley was commissioned to create a floral couture-inspired gown made entirely from paper to celebrate London Design Week 2016. Working in harmony with the Design Centre’s architecture, the shape of the skirt was devised to echo the famous domes. It took a seven-strong team over 140 hours to complete the two metre piece with 400 exquisite …

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Right Here, Right Now with Bernie Gallagher & Dennis Looby

"We have relationships with some of the best suppliers in the world, and it's great to connect with them here," says the chairman of the Doyle Collection.

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Right Here, Right Now with Philippe Desart

"Wallcoverings are our life," says the owner of new Arte, a new showroom in Design Centre East.

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Endless Variation

Pierre Frey took heritage textile brand Le Manach under its wing two years ago, and its newest collection is moving in a new 'haute couture' direction. Toiles de Tours woven textiles are available to order in 115 designs, 220 colours and three textures, meaning that the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to creating a distinctive look. Toiles de Tours were …

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Right Here, Right Now with Suzanne Imre

"It's so exciting to see new brands and new names at the Design Centre," says the editor of Livingetc.

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Right Here, Right Now with Gail Taylor

Gail Taylor of th2 designs on the pleasures of running an interior design business from the Design Centre: "It's an exciting place to be based."

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Fromental-The-Goring

Couture for the Home

The crossover between fashion and interiors is not merely about shared trends in colour, pattern or material. The luxury interiors market is now taking key values from haute couture – creativity, craftsmanship and technical ability – and applying them to the home. Luxury products have gone beyond mere status symbols; these days people want them to be imbued with the …

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Right Here, Right Now with João Botelho

The founder of Casa Botelho on the inspiring diversity of products at the Design Centre.

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Right Here, Right Now with John Loecke & Jason Oliver Nixon

"Everything we do is about telling a story," say the co-founders of interior design firm Madcap Cottage

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Lucky Charm

With a circular top and three slab-like inclined legs, Armani/Casa's 'Jim' table recalls the design traditions of the Far East. Cementing that aesthetic is an optional brass inset in the style of an enlarged tsuba, a Japanese sword guard (the keyhole-like shape in the middle of the tsuba is where the sword would be fed through). The symbol appears in other …

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Right Here, Right Now with Philippa Craddock

"My whole approach is to inspire people," says the florist, who created London Design Week 2016's aerial installation.

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Right Here, Right Now with Tom Hupe

Tom Hupe of Perkins+Will says that, for his architecture firm's interior design team, the Design Centre is a first port of call.    

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Right Here, Right Now with Charlotte Abrahams

The designer writer and curator talks about the growing interest in "the process behind the product".

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Right Here, Right Now with Christopher Dezille

The Design Centre "is an invaluable resource for me", says the founder of design firm Honky.  

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Right Here, Right Now with Tim Gosling

The interior designer on the Design Centre's international appeal.

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Samuel & Sons Bejeweled

Pyjama Party

The art of seduction; sensual yet sophisticated elegance. ‘Bejeweled’ collection, Samuel & Sons Passementerie 'Ebenezer' console, sycamore dusk, Davidson. 'Nymph' lamp and shade, Donghia at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Darius’ wallcovering (FP410002), Pierre Frey ‘Eggshell’ braid (EMBTR075), cement, Holland & Sherry at Lelievre ‘Cloud Pink’ rug by Jan Kath, Front Rugs ‘Moore’ cabinet, Giorgetti 61         'Retro' wallcovering (T85041), Thibaut at Jacaranda Carpets 62         'Celebrity' fabric (AWL1003/62), kasha, Loro Piana at …

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McKinney-&-Co-GF16-Copper-and-Opaque-Green-Glass

Can You Handle It?

New arrival McKinney & Co is a veritable treasure trove showcasing finials and handles of every variety. Eclectic materials range from antiqued brass to glass, leather, Perspex and water gilt. Check out the suitably named Copper collection in the metallic of the moment. This 'GF16' finial uses opaque green glass with lustrous copper, typifying the company’s signature of mixing contrasting materials. McKinney …

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Light Therapy

Stepping into Vaughan is just the sort of light therapy that should be prescribed for all forms of rainy-day blues. There’s a huge choice on display including this chic ‘Chiswick’ lantern. Vaughan, Ground Floor, South Dome (outside)

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Right Here, Right Now with Lorenza Lazzari

Lorenza Lazzari on the importance of Studioart's connection with the fashion industry.

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Right Here, Right Now with Mark Butcher

The Design Centre is "the most dynamic environment for new design," says Mark Alexander's head of design.

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Right Here, Right Now with Michele Preti

The owner of Italian textile and rug company GT Design says that "London is one of the main hubs for architecture and design".

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Kate-Spade-for-Kravet-'Owlish'-fabric

Uptown Girl

Better known for fashion accessories, Kate Spade New York’s hallmark graphic prints and playful sophistication are now available on fabrics, such as 'Owlish', pictured. See the full collection at Kravet. Kravet, Ground Floor, North Dome  

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Right Here, Right Now with Rita Konig

"Design has a great community, and this is its HQ," says the House & Garden columnist and interior designer.

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Donghia-Nymph-Lamp

Bubbling Under

Donghia's 'Nymph' light looks just like it has been shorn off the side of an iceberg. The table lamp takes the form of a rough block of clear glass, full of bubbles – and no two are alike. Beautifully simple, yet captivating to look at, its transparency makes it a good match for all manner of decorative schemes. Rubelli/Donghia, Ground Floor, Design …

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Iksel-3-Niches-column

Museum Marvels

There’s a unique fusion of digital printing and art to the work of new arrival Iksel – Decorative Arts. Its designs are adapted from its vast archives or taken from original documents in museums and chateaux, creating a beguiling narrative that draws you in. This wallcovering which covers the walls and ceiling of the new Design Centre East showroom was derived from early-17th-century Iznik tiles found …

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Pattern Play

Known for an exuberant and eclectic style that has become synonymous with modern American interiors, global decorating star Kelly Wearstler has turned her creative eye to tiles. The result of her collaboration with Ann Sacks is three new collections of handmade tiles – Maven, Tableau and Liaison –  that feature signature prints and patterns using a variety of techniques. The three are expressive …

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